Welcome to the Piano World Piano ForumsOver 2 million posts about pianos, digital pianos, and all types of keyboard instruments
Join the World's Largest Community of Piano Lovers
(it's free)
It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!

Nice - I didn't even realise they were available online like that. The first dozen or so were the first things I tried on piano. I guess if people decided to go with this for a recital, I'd try and find one that was the right kind of challenge, rather than just do No.1 like I said. Personally though, I'd hope that was a little way off.

I wonder if I can sign up for a third piece. Since I have been playing quite a few of the Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words for years, the challenge of participating at this recital isn't awfully great. In fact I already had a recording of one of my two pieces when I first signed up.

The piece I'm considering is the E-major Presto, Op.38/3. I attempted to play this piece twenty years ago and gave up after a few attempts. But during the last couple of weeks I have worked a bit on it and I think I can manage it within some weeks from now. My abilty of learning new stuff has apparently become better after I turned 60.

Of course, if somebody else want to play Op.38/3 I will not stand in their way. But if this song remains free, I can continue working on it (certainly I can do this anyhow - it is a most beautiful piece). What do you think? Is three pieces too much for one performer within the frames of this recital?

I would say pieces that are unclaimed at this stage, Ganddalf, are not going to be fought over and alternative interpretations are a good thing anyway. Why else do we do this thing (playing classical music)?

At worst, Wayne can turn down your submission - or phsl at the thought.

Maybe I should just continue working with it without reserving it. And if it is still not taken when the recital draws near I can sign up for it then.

I believe that's what Wayne is doing with 53/3, 67/4 and 85/3.

If there weren't so many to choose from we'd have either had multiple plays of each piece or people turned away and who wants to have people turned away?

It's the participation that counts and the camaraderie of shared effort.

I don't think we need all the pieces done at the expense of not being able to pick one or two personal favourites and I'd have preferred to have many interpretations of popular pieces than one each of less favoured choices although it has had the bonus of all 48 being subjected to very careful listening and I have personally profited from that.

My Mendelssohn repertoire thus far had consisted of his Christmas pieces and his Scherzo in E minor. Although I've heard all these before, and have them on CD, I've not really listened.

I see you all are working on your pieces very hard. That’s encouraging.

I’ve memorized the whole sheet music, and am getting some musicality with my playing, or at least I’d like to think so. But I still play my piece slowly (about half tempo of a proper andante).

Sometimes I believe that I will be able to get a decent performance, but other times I think this work is too difficult for my piano level and finally my recording will end up sounding ridiculous. Yes, I know these are typical thoughts from a beginner.

So I find very hopeful Richard’s comments about practicing at slow tempo constantly. Maybe these advices work for me as well .

Well after another discussion with my teacher today, I have decided it is only proper to withdraw my name from the recital as he would like me to focuse on other pieces for the moment; he says we take up the Mendelssohn piece another time. While I am really quite dismayed at the prospect of this, I had hoped to finally participate in PW recital, I respect his opinion and I know he would not suggest this without reason. If I had more experience with Mendelssohn's "Songs" I would consider the idea of working on my own, but I fear this would only result in a half-baked version of the piece. I have too much respect for Mendelssohn and this forum to submit a subpar version. I shall have wait for the next themed recital. C'est la vie!

The piece you chose, Irene, was not insignificant. The choice of material was very difficult for the ABF and many eager players were unable to participate. Thanks for your effforts and don't feel bad. You teacher knows what's best for you and wouldn't have put the brakes on without good reason.

There will be other Themed Recitals in the future with much lower entry requirements.

The piece you chose, Irene, was not insignificant. The choice of material was very difficult for the ABF and many eager players were unable to participate. Thanks for your effforts and don't feel bad. You teacher knows what's best for you and wouldn't have put the brakes on without good reason.

There will be other Themed Recitals in the future with much lower entry requirements.

Great words of encouragement for Irene - and great news about future Themed Recitals

_________________________XVIII-XXXVIIFollow your teacher's instructions and practice wisely/much, and you'll soon wonder how you ever found it hard. BobPicklePerformance anxiety: make it part of your daily routine and deal with it...Cope! zrtf90

Ganddalf I'll look forward to hearing you play Mendelssohn with your experience as foundation. This is my first real foray into his music and I'm enjoying it but it's not an easy process for sure. My teacher "doesn't like" this one I'm working on (53#4) which is a de-motivator. I've played long enough to work on it on my own and I'll work with her once I've mastered the fingering and have a reasonable tempo. She'll help me when she knows I'm set on the piece. Over the years I've come to accept that she is VERY opinionated about the music. I never take popular or rock music to my lessons. She had never heard of stairway to heaven but we've known each other for 30 years so I appreciate her musical knowledge and learn on other music.

Progress report: At this point, I'm able to play it but still have glitchy phrases and I'm only at half tempo. My soul just moves more slowly I guess. :-)